Meet Shangri-La #4Days3NightsTreasureHiddenJourney

Number of days: 4 days
Time: May
Average cost: 3000 yuan
With whom: and friends
Updated: 2021.05.25

Foreword

I've long wanted to visit Xinjiang, but its vastness wouldn't take more than two weeks to explore. So, Luzi and I embarked on this three-day, four-night trip to Shangri-La.

Shangri-La, the oriental paradise described in "Lost Horizon," is a beloved paradise on earth. Since its publication, Lost Horizon has resonated worldwide. Shangri-La's peaceful, warm, tranquil, and idealistic atmosphere has captivated countless travelers. After half a century of searching, people have finally set their sights on Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province. The prefecture's cultural environment and natural beauty perfectly embody the idyllic paradise described in the book.

It's said online that the best season to visit Shangri-La is from May to August. Actually, the weather in May depends on the year's climate. If you want to see a sea of flowers and lush green meadows covering the mountains, July and August are the real seasons. Due to the drought this year, Shangri-La hasn't seen a single rain since 2021, and the flowering and grass seasons have all been postponed. After the May Day holiday, the snow on Shika Snow Mountain also began to melt. Therefore, Shangri-La in May is a tourist area with no snow on the snow-capped mountains and no grass on the meadows. It is the off-season within the off-season.

In Shangri-La, our biggest daily dilemma is: where to go today? What to eat today? After stepping on countless pitfalls, we have finally accumulated some experience and can give some reference advice to friends who are about to visit Shangri-La. Let's start our journey to Shangri-La together! Shangri-La Shangri-La Shangri-La

About Transportation

Diqing Shangri-La Airport is a small airport. There is only one flight between Guangzhou Airport and Diqing Airport each morning and evening; all other flights require a transfer. It's about a 15-minute drive from the airport to Dukezong Ancient Town. Taxis and buses are easily accessible from the airport. If you need to rent a car, the largest car rental company is located next to the airport exit.

Public buses are very convenient in Dukezong Ancient Town, most of which go to Songzanlin Monastery. There's only one bus per day from the bus station to Pudacuo National Forest Park, costing 30 yuan round trip. It departs from the center of the ancient town at 9:30 AM and returns to Pudacuo National Forest Park at 3:00 PM.

Napahai, Yila Grassland, and Shika Snow Mountain are not served by public buses; a taxi costs about 30 yuan. For a circumnavigation of Napahai and Yila Grassland, chartered vehicles are generally available for 150-200 yuan.

Round-trip travel is not recommended for those traveling to Meili Snow Mountain. It's recommended to stay directly near the mountains; there are direct buses to Meili Snow Mountain from the bus station.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Dukezong Ancient Town

About Food

Dukezong Ancient Town's restaurants primarily offer Sichuan and Chongqing cuisine, Tibetan cuisine, and breakfast establishments. Those who prefer lighter fare may find it difficult to adapt. Due to the high altitude and arid climate, Shangri-La can only grow red potatoes and highland barley. Some restaurants feature wild vegetables, but these are all sourced from other sources, so choose based on price.

If you need to buy fruit, which is more expensive in supermarkets, you can find it between Moonlight Square and Guishan Park. Mobile vendors sell fresh and generous portions for 5 yuan per pound.

Notes (Must-Read)

1. Pay attention to sun protection and skin care. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and body lotion are essential. Shangri-La is located at a high altitude, with a dry climate and strong ultraviolet rays. A hat is mainly for protecting your scalp from sunburn.

2. The wind is light in the morning and strong in the afternoon. For example, Napahai and Pudacuo National Forest Park can be visited in the morning, while Songzanlin Temple and the White Pagoda can be visited in the afternoon.

3. Stay warm and bring a thick coat and a thermos. Many shops in the ancient city sell double-layer jackets, ranging from 50 to 1000 yuan, with special offers of 100 yuan each. You can also rent down jackets, generally 30 yuan per day.

4. If attending a Tusi banquet, remember to book in advance and request a seat in the front few rows or the first row in the center of the stage.

5. Not only people but also items may experience altitude sickness. Do not overfill tubes of cosmetics and skincare products. When opening, shake them gently a few times, unscrew a small opening to let out air before opening.

6. No nucleic acid test certificate is required, and health codes from other regions are also acceptable.

7. There is no need to book hotels in advance during the off-season; on-site prices are cheaper.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Dukezong Ancient Town

About the itinerary

DAY 1: We flew directly from Guangzhou to Diqing Airport. We booked the Yueting Boutique Inn in advance for 173 per night. The owner, a Henan native, had opened the inn here. We were drawn to the courtyard, hoping to relax and enjoy tea there. However, friends, Shangri-La's outdoor areas are unbearable without heating. It's not only cold but also drafty.

The inn's heating is available from 6:00 PM to 9:00 AM daily, and hot water is available 24 hours a day. So, if you're visiting Shangri-La, I personally recommend that the courtyard isn't a plus; heating and hot water are key. Our inn also provided airport transfers. After checking in, we took a quick stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Ritz-Man Guishi Oxygen B&B (Shangri-La Dukuzong Ancient Town)

Lunch was solved at Yintong Convenient Snacks, which was recommended online. This restaurant ranks first in the online food rankings. Netizens recommend the barley cakes, yak beef hotpot, and matsutake and chicken hotpot. The barley cake tastes really good and is worth recommending. The matsutake chicken hotpot is just average, as the chicken is not fresh but pre-cooked and frozen. This place has a wide variety of wild vegetables, the yak yogurt is super sour, and the casserole rice noodles are worth a try. Yintong Yak Beef Hotpot Yintong Yak Beef Hotpot Yintong Yak Beef Hotpot src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Yintong Yak Beef Hotpot

After lunch and a nap, we rented electric scooters from Dukezong Ancient Town for 80 yuan each, following the locals' recommendation. This was the worst decision of our trip, bar none. First, the wind in Shangri-La is relatively calm in the morning and stronger in the afternoon. Secondly, the actual Napa Lake is quite far from Dukezong Ancient Town, requiring a 40-kilometer circumnavigation. After being battered by strong winds along the way, we took a photo at a spot called the Shangri-La Grassland Center and headed back to Dukezong Ancient Town. Due to a cold and mild altitude sickness from the afternoon wind, we didn't have the energy to experience the ancient town at night. According to the innkeeper, Guishan Park is at its most lively and beautiful at night. We had dinner at a Sichuan restaurant next to the inn, and the Sichuan cuisine, even if slightly spicy, was incredibly spicy!!! src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Grassland Horseback Riding Field

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Grassland Horseback Riding Field

DAY 2

Because we missed the 9:30 AM shuttle bus to Pudacuo National Forest Park, we hired a round-trip taxi from the inn owner for 200 RMB. The entrance fee (including the park's internal sightseeing bus) was 100 RMB per person. The one-way trip took about 40 minutes, and the inn owner met us at the door for our return. A Didi taxi would cost around 120 RMB one way, but you might not be able to get a taxi back, so it's best to hire a taxi or take a regular bus. The road to Pudacuo National Forest Park is under construction, and much of the way there is fine gravel. The dust kicked up by cars made the road invisible, and the stones could easily scratch car paint, so few drivers are willing to go this way. A visit to Pudacuo National Forest Park takes about four hours. Its altitude ranges from 3,500 to 4,159 meters. If you don't experience altitude sickness in the ancient city, you don't need to buy oxygen tanks specifically for the trip to Pudacuo. Bring some dry food or buy them at the park entrance, though they're quite expensive. Down jackets are available for rent at the park entrance for 50 yuan per day. Due to maintenance, only the Shudu Lake area of Pudacuo National Park is currently open to the public. Areas like the Bitahai and Militang subalpine pastures are temporarily closed, but I personally think it's still worth a visit, especially after watching the TV series "Si Teng." The Shudu Lake area is 3.3 kilometers long and offers a variety of routes, including boat tours, plank roads, and hiking. The hiking trail is currently closed. During matsutake season, only local villagers are allowed to pick them. Due to the drought, the park's azaleas are only blooming sporadically, but they're still beautiful. My poor photography skills can't capture the beauty I saw with my own eyes, so I can only share a few photos for your quick review.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Pudacuo Forest Park

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Shudu Lake

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Shudu Lake Local barley drying racks

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Shudu Lake

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/18.webp"> src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Shudu Lake

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Shudu Lake Internet-famous white yaks, photo taking costs 30 yuan per person

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Shudu Lake

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Shudu Lake Each trash can in the park is equipped with a fire bucket in case of fire.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Regong Yirenge Tibetan Restaurant (Sifang Street, Ancient City)

DAY 3: Ganden Songzanlin Monastery was our most anticipated attraction of this trip. It is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan's Tibetan area and the most prestigious monastery of the Gelug sect in Tibet. Because its exterior and layout resemble the Potala Palace, it is also known as the "Little Potala Palace." A taxi from Dukezong Ancient City costs about 15 yuan, and admission is 90 yuan per person. We first walked along the plank road around the lake in front of the temple to the opposite side. We could see the reflection of Songzanlin Monastery in the lake, wild ducks grazing on the water plants, and eagles soaring in the sky. It was a peaceful and magnificent scene. Walking along the plank road leads to the highest point on the hillside, offering the best photo ops for photographing Songzanlin Temple. You can also take photos amidst the prayer flags. After walking the plank road, you'll avoid the large crowds visiting the temple. Temple staff regularly provide guided tours, and staff will remind you when your ticket is checked. After the tour, you'll have free time. Many people rent Tibetan clothing to take photos at Songzanlin Temple. Generally, it costs 199 yuan per set inside the ancient city, with headwear and braids priced separately, for a total of 60 yuan per person. We recommend avoiding renting clothing inside the ancient city. Instead, renting clothing at the entrance to the Diqing Red Army Long March Museum, on the right side of Moonlight Square, generally costs 100 yuan per set for adults and 20 yuan per set for children, including headwear and braids. If you're only taking photos at Moonlight Square, the price is 50 yuan per set, which is a better deal. If you need to wear your clothing early the next morning, you can pick it up the night before or schedule a pickup time.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Songzanlin Temple Scenic Area

After our afternoon break, we arrived at Guishan Park and Moonlight Square around 4:00 PM. No tickets are required. Guishan Park boasts the world's largest prayer wheel, roughly the height of a five-story building. It's a magnificent sight, constructed of pure copper plated with gold. The top of the wheel features relief carvings of the four great bodhisattvas: Manjusri, Samantabhadra, Guanyin, and Ksitigarbha. The lower portion is engraved with the Buddhist Eight Treasures. Inside, there are 1.24 million sutras, mantras, and other Buddhist treasures, weighing approximately 16 tons. To rotate such a massive prayer wheel requires the simultaneous efforts of six or more people. Each clockwise rotation is equivalent to silently chanting the Buddha's name 1.24 million times. Three complete rotations ward off disasters, bring blessings, and bring good fortune.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Guishan Park

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Dukezong Flower Alley

In the evening, at the recommendation of the innkeeper, we attended the Zaya Tusi Banquet. The innkeeper charged us 150 yuan per person, while the taxi driver said 120 yuan per person. You can refer to the price and bargain appropriately. The Zhaya Tusi Banquet is the largest in the area, accommodating approximately 500 people. It takes place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and is located about 2 kilometers from the ancient city. The innkeeper provides round-trip transportation. The banquet features Tibetan song and dance performances, stage performances, and Tibetan yak hotpot. Don't expect too much from the food. Each person gets their own small pot of yak hotpot, which is quite hygienic. Vegetables are prepared on their own, and the meats are grilled outside before being served two pieces by staff. The menu includes roasted lamb and chicken, but the taste was average. Other options include tsampa, barley wine, and butter tea. The Tibetan song and dance performances are unique, and the Tibetans are enthusiastic and lively. If you're traveling with your parents, I recommend experiencing them, but I wouldn't recommend attending with just your girlfriends. After the banquet, there's a bonfire party. A bonfire is lit in the center of the courtyard, and visitors and Tibetans sing and dance together, creating a lively atmosphere. I personally don't recommend attending the toast dinner as it's not very cost-effective, but the overall atmosphere is still very good. If you do go, remember to book in advance and request a seat right in the center of the stage for a better view.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Moonlight Plaza

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Turtle Mountain Park

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Dukezong Ancient Town

DAY 4

We originally planned to visit Shika Snow Mountain, but the locals said the snow had melted after May Day, and since it was cloudy that day, we wouldn't be able to see Meili Snow Mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and other distant mountains from Shika Snow Mountain. So, we decided to visit Napahai and Yila Grassland. We didn't get to see them on our first day on an electric bike, but after all, we were already there!

A chartered car tour around Napahai costs 150-200 yuan. Self-driving is recommended. If you charter a car, the driver will give you a brief tour of the surrounding area and, to save time, may not take you to many places. You can stop to take photos if you pass by herds of sheep and cattle along the way. Horseback riding costs 100-150 yuan per person. The grasslands are littered with cow and sheep excrement, and the air smells of cow dung in addition to the green grass.

You can also see the Shika Snow Mountain from the Napahai Lake Ring Road. If you visit in July or August, when the azaleas are in full bloom, the water from Napahai Lake will overflow onto the road, creating a stunning display of lush green grass. To better protect the ecological environment, both Napahai Lake and Yila Grassland are fenced off. A circular tour essentially means walking around the road, so it's not recommended.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Napa Lake Ring Road

At the entrance of the Napa Sea Scenic Area, there is a white pagoda with eight petals and a lotus. There are only two such pagodas in the world, and the other one is in India. No tickets are required. The staff will lead tourists on a tour and introduce the collections and history of the pagoda. Finally, a master will sprinkle pure water to help dispel bad luck. The highest point of the pagoda contains relics. If necessary, you can voluntarily light lamps and hang prayer flags to pray for your family. The price ranges from 30 to 200.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Napa Ocean View Scenic Area

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Dukezong Ancient City

Dukezong Ancient Town

Wandering around the town this afternoon, I encountered some super cute kittens and stumbled upon the carrot cake from THE COMPASS, which I've been recommending online. It's incredibly delicious. It's located near the Sifang Building on Sifang Street, at 50 Gucheng Commercial Street, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

That evening, I flew directly from Diqing Airport to Guangzhou. Since Diqing was a layover, my flight from Lhasa was delayed three hours due to weather, so we didn't depart until the early morning.

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Dukezong Ancient Town

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Dukezong Flower Alley

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4010988/49.webp">Dukezong Ancient Town

Dukezong Ancient Town

Conclusion

May may not be the best time to visit Shangri-La, but its beauty is still breathtaking and well worth the trip. The scenery I saw was far more beautiful than what I photographed. Pudacuo National Forest Park, Songzanlin Temple, Guishan Park, and the White Pagoda are all recommended attractions, but others are also worth considering.

I personally don't recommend Shangri-La as a standalone travel destination. You could go to Shangri-La for two or three days first, then go to Lijiang or Dali. Because, except for flights to Kunming, most flights departing from Shangri-La's Diqing Airport are stopovers, which are prone to delays and have fewer flights. Airports in places like Lijiang and Dali have many flights and are all departure points.

Although the trip wasn't perfect, it was still a happy and enjoyable time, and I'm still looking forward to my next trip! The next time the flowers bloom or the snow falls, I will come back. Shangri-La - the sun and moon in my heart! ! !